Dansko

Dansko Headquarters is one of the first LEED certified buildings in Chester County.  Dansko is a quality footwear and healthcare apparel designer and distributer.  The company's mission is to exceed expectations be it those of their retailers, consumers, or manufacturing partners.  Dansko is an employee-owned company focused on helping the community and environment.

What is LEED?  LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000 and rates buildings based on sustainable building, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.  A building can get a rating of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.  The Dansko Headquarters is reated LEED Gold Certified.

Dansko incorporated many green building ideas into their Headquarters.  Everything from sustainability, energy conservation, water conservation, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Dansko installed reuseable modular units for the workspace so that they can be reconfigured to the company's changing needs.  The Eco-Resin Wall Panels not only look cool, but are made for 40% recycled material.  The modular carpet tiles reduce waste and allow for easy replacement of individual tiles.

Dankso installed a solar panel system that produces 25% of their total energy.  In one year they can off set the energy of 30 residences, 41 cars, and 45 acres of pine forest.  Dansko purchases wind energy credits to support wind farm developement.

Dansko included innovative technology for water conservation.  A full living wall will greet you in the lobby.  The parking lot was paved using pervious material so that rain water can seep through naturally to the water table.  A grassy area surrounds the parking lot to serve as overflow parking and rain gardens.  Dankso installed rain chains for downspouts to collect water that is then used for the toilets and irrigation.  The roof is covered by shrubs and grasses on 2/3 of the area to aid in water run-off and lower heating and cooling costs.

Dansko thought not only of the environment, but of their employees as well.  The building was painted with low VOC paint to keep the air quality pure.  Green cleaning products are used regularly to reduce harsh chemicals and airbourne contaminants.  The employees at Dansko recycle 86% of their waste.  Each employee gets his/her own recycle bin while they share trash cans.  Finally Dansko has an on-site gym with locker rooms, meditation rooms, and a roof-top patio to help employees relax.

Dansko Headquarters is leading the way in green building in Pennsylvania.  I see a future where all buildings will follow the green building model, and the norm will be the fundamental principles like those used by Dansko.